Does anyone on here live within Germany?
My husband is in the army and resourcefully he is thinking about reinlisting. I know that nearby is a possibility of him being re-stationed to Germany. I own never been to Germany. What is it close to there? what is in attendance to do? What are the rules as far as what is allowed and not allowed? I dont know any German, would it be sage for me to start learning how to speak German?
Answers: My husband used to be within the Army as well, next to the difference that I am German. So I've lived both in the States and Germany. There is already deeply of good info surrounded by the other responses, but let my put in my comments as well. As to the terminology: you certainly don't enjoy to speak German fluently, just a 'bitte" (please) and "danke" (thank you) contained by the local bakery will make a big difference. The Army also offer German classes once you get here. It depends on how you approach this - an exile somewhere away from what you are familiar beside or an extended paid leave in a place which millions of race spend a lot of money to call in. And it's not like moving to a foreign country on your own, single having the local supermarkets or have to find an apartment etc. An American installation is almost like little America. There you will own your PX, Commissary, schools, movies, gym, etc... As to what is in that to do - hm, one great advantage of Germany of course is that it is in the middle of Europe. Depending on where on earth you are, within a couple of hours of freshly driving, you can be in France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland etc. Or hop on a $50 flight to London. Or should you be stationed within what seems to be an out of the passageway place, well, Germany is a small country, so you don't own to go tremendously far to be "somewhere". Hm, now what is allowed and what is disallowed.passing on the right is a big no-no as is wash your car within your driveway, bbq-ing on your balcony or not recycle.
On the other hand, you may hold your dog into a restaurant, smoke there (this will probably variation soon), and drive as fast as you can on the autobahn.
Time to come to an stop, just remember, here is nothing to be afraid of, and much to be gain.
Learning the language of the country you are going to live contained by is always a moral idea. But don't be afraid, we Germans cram English in arts school and a lot of relatives will at least appreciate a few English words.
There are books/travel guides about German rules and behavior, some of them comparatively funny. Try Amazon or any book shop, some I'd recommend are "Culture Shock" (written specific for American readers)
http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Germany-Su...
and the "Xenophobe's Guide to the Germans".
http://www.amazon.com/Xenophobes-Guide-G...
Some Americans stationed there approaching to travel and see Germany and go out into the German community.
But if you don't want that, you can be on the end that you are stationed on and just own what is familiar to you. If you turn of base you will find, that most Germans speak English and approaching to speak English. But if you are interested in erudition the language that would be great!! People nearby are not that different. They might seem a bit more distancing at first site, but beneath the surface they are just similar to Americans you know.
The system is a bit different as of school or strength insurance etc. but there is nought like woman enjoy to wear a certain munificent of clothing or that kind of stuff. Germany is a totally advanced and modern country. ( I had an American once ask me if they have running hot water..!!)You might even find that they are for a while more open minded than Americans. For example next to what they can say and show on TV. No problem showing a women's breasts within an add for soap for example, nobody make a big deal out of that.
- drinking age is 16 for pale alcoholic drinks, 18 for anything else
- you have to be 18 to drive and to vote
- the alcohol keep a tight rein on when driving is at 0.5
- what the cultural life is approaching depends on where you will be stationed, but largely, there is slightly a bit of English-language culture over here, movies being shown within original book, English books on sale.
- study the language is other a good conception. No need to be watertight, juts get a broad grasp, pick up the phrases you need to win through everyday life and be polite to other individuals.
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